Negative Perception Of Islam Increasing:
As the war in Iraq grinds into its fourth year, a growing proportion of Americans are expressing unfavorable views of Islam, and a majority now say that Muslims are disproportionately prone to violence, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. The poll found that nearly half of Americans -- 46 percent -- have a negative view of Islam, seven percentage points higher than in the tense months after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, when Muslims were often targeted for violence... ...The survey also found that one in three Americans have heard prejudiced comments about Muslims lately. In a separate question, slightly more (43 percent) reported having heard negative remarks about Arabs. One in four Americans admitted to harboring prejudice toward Muslims, the same proportion that expressed some personal bias against Arabs.Contrary to popular belief, Muslims are not silent. Look at all the outreach efforts just in the last month or so after the Danish cartoons issue. I've also traced a year of general outreach (inspired by a previous depressing poll), condemnations of terrorism, and even charitable giving (tsunami, Katrina, South Asia earthquake). But somehow, it doesn't seem to be making a dent. What do we need to do next? How can we be more effective? Right now I admit to feeling kind of hopeless about this. Added: Juan Cole comments and Arthur Silber looks at the larger context of propaganda.